The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) published a report on ‘The healthcare costs of poor air quality in Ireland: A review of potential data sources and methods’ on 27 June 2025.
The report highlighted the causes and the impact of air pollution on healthcare costs in Ireland. It focuses on a fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) as the primary pollutants affecting air quality. PM2.5, mostly from the combustion of solid fuels for home heating, and NO₂, mainly from diesel-powered road transport, are identified as the main contributors to pollution-related health issues. The impacts are a significant economic burden, in terms of healthcare costs, lost productivity, impact on agricultural crops and damage to buildings and infrastructure. The report focuses on three types of healthcare: emergency inpatient hospitalizations, general practitioner (GP) care and prescribed medicines dispensed in community pharmacies (community pharmacy services.
The report is available to download here.